Sundance Film Festival Short Film Program Reviews

By: Amanda Guarragi These were the 11 short films that caught my eye when looking through the program. Some worked more than others, but more importantly, all of these short films told a powerful story. The short film program is always filled with diverse, emotional, unique stories that will resonate with many. Keep an eye out for these filmmakers as well, as they had a … Continue reading Sundance Film Festival Short Film Program Reviews

‘The Van’ Short Film Review

By: Amanda Guarragi The Van directed by Erenik Beqiri shows the resilience of a young man who needs to pay his wait out of Albania. He already works during the day with his father but it isn’t enough to survive. What we see is two different perceptions of how to survive. Ben (Phénix Brossard) finds side hustles in order to survive, whereas his father (Arben Bajraktaraj) … Continue reading ‘The Van’ Short Film Review

‘Umama’ Short Film: Interview With Talia Smith And Malibongwe Mdwaba

By: Amanda Guarragi Umama written and directed by Talia Smith shows the true story of a mother whose son has gone missing. It is a story of love, loss and acceptance. The morning after Sibongile made a promise to celebrate her son’s academic achievement, she wakes to find he is missing. Sibongile (Connie Chiume) still goes into work and she must care for the children, … Continue reading ‘Umama’ Short Film: Interview With Talia Smith And Malibongwe Mdwaba

In France Michelle Is A Man’s Name Short Film Review

By: Amanda Guarragi In France Michelle Is A Man’s Name is about a young trans man, named Michael (Ari Damasco), who returns home to the rural American West after being away from his family for years. After a very awkward dinner, Michael joins his dad for a drive for some bonding but things go sour very quickly. This short film is very difficult to sit … Continue reading In France Michelle Is A Man’s Name Short Film Review

Foreigner Short Film Review

By: Amanda Guarragi Foreigner directed by Carlos Violadé Guerrero is beautifully shot and the story is truly shocking. It takes place in the summer off the coast of Spain. A young man from Britain named Mark (Josh Taylor) visits his friends and has dinner with them. The first half of this film feels so calm and serene, just a nice adventure in Spain during the … Continue reading Foreigner Short Film Review